enables and encourages front-line staff to do more to identify people at risk of misusing drugs and/or alcohol and provide brief interventions and referrals.

tackles the balance of drug and alcohol commissioned services.

The report highlights the need for a shift in spending and resources from a relatively small number of people with long-term drug dependency to a wider focus on prevention and short-term early interventions for alcohol and recreational drug misuse.

In the past, there has been a greater emphasis in Reading on the treatment of misusers of drugs like heroin.

4,500 people drinking harmful amounts

However, estimates for the town suggest almost 30,000 people drink alcohol in excess of recommended weekly amounts, with nearly 4,500 people drinking harmful amounts.

As well as increasing numbers of hospital admissions for alcohol-related causes, there is evidence of higher than average rates of alcohol-related deaths in Reading, with higher than the national average levels of deaths from chronic liver disease.

Figures also suggest there are a growing number of alcohol-related crimes in Reading and a significantly high proportion of alcohol misusers who are not getting treatment in the community before entering prison.

Focus

Councillor Graeme Hoskin, lead member for health, said: “The need for a Reading Drug and Alcohol Strategy and action plan is compelling.

"The sheer size of alcohol misuse should make it a priority. There are many more people in Reading in need of specialist treatment for alcohol misuse than are currently receiving it and so this is where we should be targeting our work, whilst continuing to offer support and interventions for drugs misuse.

“In the face of mounting cuts to the council’s health budget, now more than ever we need to focus our limited resources in the areas that will have the most impact.

"The early preventative treatment of alcohol and drug misuse will hopefully avoid damaging longer term dependency and ultimately prove much more efficient and effective.”